Flowers

For those who raise their own bedding plants for summer, this is sowing time for some kinds of seeds in a heated propagator. The range of flower seeds that can be raised in this way is much greater than the choice of bedding varieties sold in early summer.

Outdoors, herbaceous perennials can be lifted, divided and re-planted during good weather.

Check on stored dahlias or gladiolus that they have not dried out, or have been attacked by greenflies. If they have dried, soak them in tepid water over light to plump up and control greenlfies.

Keep a check for slug damage on over-wintered plants of sweet peas, which is most likely in a greenhouse or tunnel.